SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Forestry: Timber Harvesting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48988  National Certificate: Forestry: Timber Harvesting 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Forestry 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
FPMSETA - Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Forestry and Wood Technology 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  122  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
This qualification is aimed at people who work or intend to work within a timber harvesting context, and who seek recognition for essential skills in forestry operations.

Recipients of this qualification are able to enhance safety and productivity in timber harvesting, and this qualification provides evidence of a proven ability to:
  • Use complex and sophisticated felling and extraction systems and machinery necessitating various specialised skills and operations
  • Prepare an operational timber harvest plan;
  • Manage oneself;
  • Supervise other persons directly involved in the timber harvesting operation;
  • Perform a range of work associated with timber harvesting;
  • Solve problems that will be encountered in normal operating conditions

    This qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible so that people are able to demonstrate the competencies required to work safely in timber harvesting in general and effectively and safely in at least one of the following mechanised timber harvesting specialist areas:
  • Cable Yarding
  • Feller Buncher
  • Harvester
  • Tractor
  • Skidder
  • Forwarder


    Rationale of the qualification:

    Candidates for this qualification are likely to be working in the forestry sub-field. The qualification will give them the opportunity to balance their practical skills with the essential knowledge required to earn a formal qualification in timber harvesting.

    There is also a critical need in the industry to identify people who are able to conduct the essential operations associated with efficient and safe operation in at least one of the mechanised timber harvesting operations. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that candidates embarking on learning programmes towards this qualification may or may not have previous experience in the forestry industry and is therefore open to all learners.

    Entry assumptions as stipulated in the individual unit standards will be applicable.


    Recognition of prior learning

    This qualification may be obtained through a process of RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and support provided to assist in the process of developing a portfolio. While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit-level outcomes. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All Fundamental unit standards are compulsory (42 Credits).

    All Core unit standards are compulsory (25 Credits).

    A selection of one of the specialist areas:

    Cable Yarding (51 Credits):
  • Demonstrate knowledge of wire ropes, rigging accessories, anchor systems and rigging in cable yarding operations.
  • Prepare anchors, rig intermediate supports, tailtrees and a tower and set up working cables for a cable yarding operation.
  • Extract timber to a landing using a cable yarder in a production situation
  • Load, off-load and stack timber using a loader in a production situation
  • Choke and dechoke timber during extraction with a cable yarder in a production situation

    Feller Buncher (53 Credits):
  • Prepare, operate and maintain a mechanised harvesting machine
  • Fell and bunch trees using a slew boom feller buncher in a non-production situation
  • Fell and bunch trees using a feller buncher in a production situation
  • Choke and dechoke timber during extraction with a skidding machine fitted with a winch
  • Fell and bunch trees using a drive-to-tree feller buncher in a non-production situation

    Harvester (97 Credits):
  • Prepare, operate and maintain a mechanised harvesting machine
  • Fell, debranch and debark trees using a harvester in a non-production situation
  • Fell, debranch and debark trees using a harvester in a production situation
  • Fell and process trees into products using a harvester in a non-production situation
  • Fell and process trees into products using a harvester in a production situation

    Tractor (55 Credits):
  • Prepare, operate and maintain a tractor in a non-production situation
  • Extract timber to a landing using a tractor fitted with a skidding attachment in a production situation
  • Choke and dechoke timber during extraction with a skidding machine fitted with a winch
  • Extract and short-haul timber using a tractor and trailer in a production situation
  • Extract and short-haul timber using a tractor and trailer fitted with a self-loading crane in a production situation

    Skidder (50 Credits):
  • Extract timber to a landing using a cable skidder in a production situation
  • Choke and dechoke timber during extraction with a skidding machine fitted with a winch
  • Extract timber to a landing using a grapple skidder in a production situation
  • Operate a skidding machine fitted with a winch in machine assisted tree felling

    Forwarder (55 Credits):
  • Extract logs to a landing using a forwarder in a production situation
  • Load, off-load and stack timber using a loader in a production situation

    A selection of a minimum of 5 credits from the following individual Elective unit standards:
  • Fell trees with a chainsaw using the standard technique and felling Levers
  • Delimb tree lengths using a static delimber in a production situation
  • Fell trees using a chainsaw and machine assistance.
  • Prepare, operate and maintain a 3-wheeled loader in a non-production situation
  • Prepare, operate and maintain a self-propelled knuckle boom loader in a non-production situation
  • Prepare, operate and maintain a vehicle mounted knuckle boom loader in a non-production situation
  • Fell trees with a chainsaw using specialised techniques
  • Scale tree lengths into poles in a production situation
  • Scale tree lengths into saw and veneer logs in a production situation

    The total minimum combination of credits for this qualification is 122. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability and understanding to communicate in a variety of ways and use mathematics in real life situations which are suitable to and in the context of this qualification.

    2. Demonstrate the ability to maintain safe work operations in a forestry environment.

    3. Demonstrate the ability to plan a timber harvest operation.

    4. Demonstrate the ability to use a chainsaw safely in a production environment.

    5. Demonstrate knowledge of timber harvesting operations in relation to the forestry environment.

    6. Demonstrate the ability to extract timber using cable yarding systems in a production situation.

    7. Demonstrate the ability to fell timber with a feller buncher in a production situation.

    8. Demonstrate the ability to fell and prepare timber with a harvester in a production situation.

    9. Demonstrate the ability to extract timber with a tractor in a production situation.

    10. Demonstrate the ability to extract timber with a skidder in a production situation.

    11. Demonstrate the ability to extract timber with a forwarder in a production situation.

    12. Demonstrate an understanding of options for further learning in this or a related field of learning and preparation requirements for such learning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Communication is regular and ongoing.
  • Information is clear and accurate and conveyed in a timely manner.
  • Relationships with peers and supervisory/management levels are established and functioning.

    2.
  • Safety procedures during wildfire suppression are identified and explained
  • An understanding of how to contribute to suppression of wild fires is demonstrated
  • Knowledge of basic safety in forestry operations is demonstrated

    3.
  • The ability to conduct basic forestry map reading is demonstrated
  • The ability to prepare an operational timber harvest plan is demonstrated

    4.
  • The ability to use and maintain a chainsaw is demonstrated
  • Trees are felled using standard techniques and felling levers
  • Felled trees are de-branched and cross-cut in a production situation
  • Learner is able to evaluate the benefits and difficulties of team work within his/her own work context
  • Safe working practices are explained and demonstrated
  • Appropriate Legislation is referred to when explanations are given.

    5.
  • Knowledge of key elements of commercial forestry is demonstrated
  • Knowledge of mechanical timber handling equipment is demonstrated
  • Knowledge of cable extraction is demonstrated
  • Knowledge of choking and de-choking timber is demonstrated
  • Knowledge of ground-based machine extraction is demonstrated
  • Learner is able to evaluate the benefits and difficulties of team work within his/her own work context
  • Safe working practices are explained and demonstrated
  • Appropriate Legislation is referred to when explanations are given.

    6.
  • Knowledge of rigging equipment and accessories is demonstrated
  • The ability to prepare rigging equipment and accessories is demonstrated
  • The ability to use a cable yarder in a production situation is demonstrated
  • The ability to use a loader in a production situation is demonstrated
  • Learner is able to evaluate the benefits and difficulties of team work within his/her own work context
  • Safe working practices are explained and demonstrated
  • Appropriate Legislation is referred to when explanations are given.

    7.
  • The ability to prepare, operate and maintain a mechanised timber harvesting machine is demonstrated
  • The ability to use a feller buncher in a non-production and production situation is demonstrated
  • The ability to choke and dechoke timber with a skidding machine is demonstrated
  • Learner is able to evaluate the benefits and difficulties of team work within his/her own work context
  • Safe working practices are explained and demonstrated
  • Appropriate Legislation is referred to when explanations are given.

    8.
  • The ability to prepare, operate and maintain a mechanised timber harvesting machine is demonstrated
  • The ability to fell, debranch and debark trees in a production and non-production situation is demonstrated
  • The ability to fell and process trees in a production and non-production situation is demonstrated
  • Learner is able to evaluate the benefits and difficulties of team work within his/her own work context
  • Safe working practices are explained and demonstrated
  • Appropriate Legislation is referred to when explanations are given.

    9.
  • The ability to prepare, operate and maintain a tractor in a non- production situation is demonstrated
  • The ability to extract timber with an attachment is demonstrated
  • The ability to choke and dechoke timber with an attachment is demonstrated
  • The ability to extract and transport timber with an attachment is demonstrated
  • The ability to extract and transport timber with an attachment fitted with a self loading crane is demonstrated
  • Learner is able to evaluate the benefits and difficulties of team work within his/her own work context
  • Safe working practices are explained and demonstrated
  • Appropriate Legislation is referred to when explanations are given.

    10.
  • The ability to extract timber to a landing is demonstrated
  • The ability to choke and dechoke timber fitted with a winch is demonstrated
  • The ability to operate a skidding machine in machine assisted tree felling is demonstrated
  • Learner is able to evaluate the benefits and difficulties of team work within his/her own work context
  • Safe working practices are explained and demonstrated
  • Appropriate Legislation is referred to when explanations are given.

    11.
  • The ability to extract logs in a production situation is demonstrated
  • The ability to load, off-load and stack timber in a production situation is demonstrated
  • Learner is able to evaluate the benefits and difficulties of team work within his/her own work context
  • Safe working practices are explained and demonstrated
  • Appropriate Legislation is referred to when explanations are given.

    12.
  • The various options for further learning and the purpose thereof are explained.
  • The preparation requirements are explained and the learning areas identified and selected.
  • An individual learning plan is developed in the context of the qualification and the workplace.


    Integrated Assessment

    Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show they are able to integrate concepts, actions and ideas achieved across a range of unit standards and contexts. Integrated assessment must evaluate the quality of observable performance as well as the thinking behind the performance.

    Some assessment aspects will demand practical demonstration while others may not. In some case inference will be necessary to determine competence depending on the nature and context within which performance takes place.
    Since this is a foundational qualification, it is necessary to ensure that the fundamental part of the qualification is also targeted to ensure that while the competence may have been achieved in a particular context, learners are able to apply it in a range of other contexts and for further learning. The assessment should also ensure that all the critical cross-field outcomes have been achieved. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification and the component unit standards have been compared with similar qualifications from New Zealand. The New Zealand Qualifications Framework has two qualifications that relate to this one: National Certificate in Forestry (Timber harvesting) at level 4, consisting of 230 credits and the National Certificate in Forestry (Mechanised timber harvesting) also at level 4, consisting of 230 credits.

    It was felt that 2 different qualifications would not serve the purpose for South African conditions, therefore a direct comparison between the New Zealand and the South African qualification cannot be made, although there are similarities in some of the unit standards that are included. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
  • The qualification has been designed and structured so that qualifying learners can move from one context to another.
  • Employers or institutions should be able to evaluate the outcomes of this qualification against the needs of their context and structure top-up learning appropriately.
  • Equally, holders of other qualifications may be evaluated against this qualification for the purpose of RPL. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution or learning provider offering learning towards the achievement of this qualification should be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment should be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines provided for in this qualification as well as the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The following criteria should be applied by the relevant ETQA:
  • Appropriate qualification and a minimum of 3 years experience in the field of Forestry: Timber Harvesting or a similar environment. The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning.
  • Appropriate experience and understanding of assessment theory, processes and practices
  • Good interpersonal skills and the ability to balance the conflicting requirements of:
  • Maintaining national standards
  • The interests of the learner
  • The need for transformation and redressing the legacies of the past
  • The cultural background and language of the learner
  • Registration as an assessor with the relevant ETQA 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  117069  Cross-cut felled trees using a chainsaw in a production situation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  117061  Debranch felled trees using a chainsaw in a production situation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  117049  Demonstrate knowledge of basic safety in forestry operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  1 
    Core  117078  Demonstrate knowledge of cable yarder extraction  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  117044  Demonstrate knowledge of ground-based machine extraction  Level 2  NQF Level 02  1 
    Core  117050  Demonstrate knowledge of mechanical timber handling equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  1 
    Core  117058  Maintain a chainsaw and cut felled timber using a chainsaw  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  117085  Conduct basic forestry map reading  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Core  117064  Fell trees using a chainsaw in a production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  117070  Prepare an operational harvest plan  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  12461  Communicate at work  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9528  Communicate with clients  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Fundamental  12488  Complete feasibility and commissioning reports  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  117081  Choke and dechoke timber during extraction with a cable yarder in a production situation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  117043  Choke and dechoke timber during extraction with a skidding machine fitted with a winch in a production situation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  117062  Fell trees with a chainsaw using the standard technique and felling levers  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  117076  Prepare, operate and maintain a tractor in a non-production situation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  117057  Delimb tree lengths using a static delimber in a production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  117033  Demonstrate knowledge of wire rope, rigging accessories, anchor systems and rigging in cable yarding operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  117084  Extract and transport timber using a tractor and trailer in a production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  117072  Extract timber to a landing using a cable skidder in a production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
    Elective  117080  Extract timber to a landing using a cable yarder in a production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  117074  Extract timber to a landing using a grapple skidder in a production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  25 
    Elective  117083  Extract timber to a landing using a tractor fitted with a skidding attachment in a production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  117063  Fell and bunch trees using a drive-to-tree feller-buncher in a non-production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  117060  Fell and bunch trees using a slew boom feller-buncher in a non-production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  117054  Fell and process trees into products using a harvester in a non-production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  26 
    Elective  117071  Fell trees using a chainsaw and machine assistance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Elective  117066  Fell trees with a chainsaw using specialised techniques  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Elective  117067  Fell, debranch and debark trees using a harvester in a non-production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
    Elective  117047  Load, off-load and stack timber using a loader in a production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
    Elective  117075  Operate a skidding machine fitted with a winch in machine assisted tree felling  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Elective  117077  Prepare anchors, rig intermediate supports, tailtrees & a tower and set up working cables for a cable yarding operation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Elective  117052  Prepare, operate and maintain a 3-wheeled loader in a non-production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  117048  Prepare, operate and maintain a mechanised harvesting machine in a non-production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  117055  Prepare, operate and maintain a self-propelled knuckle boom loader in a non-production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  117046  Prepare, operate and maintain a vehicle mounted knuckle boom loader in a non-production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  117068  Scale tree lengths into poles in a production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  117059  Scale tree lengths into saw and veneer logs in a production situation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  117086  Extract and transport timber using a tractor and trailer fitted with a self-loading crane in a production situation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  25 
    Elective  117045  Extract timber to a landing using a forwarder in a production situation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  35 
    Elective  117065  Fell and bunch trees using a feller buncher in a production situation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
    Elective  117056  Fell and process trees into products using a harvester in a production situation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  26 
    Elective  117053  Fell, debranch and debark trees using a harvester in a production situation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  20 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. ARANDA LEARNERSHIP COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    2. Furniture World Training Centre 
    3. Legal Environment Safety & Health Requirements cc 
    4. Phambile Skills Training (Pty) Ltd 
    5. South African Forestry Training College 
    6. TAMASA TRAINING PTY LTD 
    7. TIRHANI SKILLSTRAINING PTY LTD 
    8. Tower City Trading 100 
    9. VPK BUSINESS VENTURE C C 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.